Shornemead Fort was designed to be able to house 13 cannon, and work began in 1847, finishing six years later. However, the ground upon which the fort stands is marshy and proved incapable of supporting such a structure and the fort was completely rebuilt. Post-war, Shornemead Fort’s only use came as target practice for the Royal Engineers' demolition squad, and their effectiveness is evident from the concrete, bricks and rubble at the site; they are all that remain of the barracks and administrative buildings.